Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Manchester United’s promising finish to last season has given way to a difficult start under Michael Carrick. After seven Premier League matches, they sit 13th with seven points, having won once, drawn four times and lost twice. Their 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como has added to the pressure with none of their players making our CL Team of the Week XI, while an early League Cup exit against Brighton exposed further weaknesses.
Carrick guided United to third place last season and secured Champions League qualification during his interim spell. However, the permanent job has brought new demands, with European football stretching a squad that still lacks balance in key areas.
According to reports surrounding the club’s managerial situation, six names offer different possibilities if Man United decide to change head coach. Their availability, tactical approach and willingness to work within INEOS’s recruitment structure would all influence any appointment.
Who are the 6 candidates linked by most outlets and fancied by the bookies?
1. Eddie Howe
🚨🏴 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Eddie Howe is the new favourite to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, reports @alex_crook/@talkSPORT. 🔴✅ https://t.co/RhPMqpCLxb
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom)
Howe offers Premier League experience and a demanding, high-energy approach. His Newcastle teams pressed aggressively, attacked quickly after winning possession and used coordinated movement to create chances.
After leaving Newcastle in July 2026, the Englishman could appeal to United if he remains available. His immediate task would involve improving the team’s running, defensive organisation and intensity without requiring an entirely new squad.
With trophies on his CV and a the win in the Carabao Cup after they lost the 2024 final to United before beating United in the semifinal before winning the Carabao Cup final 2-1 over Liverpool in 2025. Newcastle were dominant and undeniably worthy winners making their ending of a 70 year trophy drought even more emphatic under Eddie Howe.
Howe looks to have all the credentials and it’s intriguing that the United game against Bournemouth could be pivotal in shaping the future of both Michael Carrick and Eddie Howe who managed the Cherries so brilliantly over two spells at the South coast club.
2. Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann brings tactical flexibility and experience at elite level, having managed Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Germany. His teams use changing formations, intelligent pressing and positional rotations to create numerical advantages.
The Telegraph has reported interest in Nagelsmann as a potential United candidate. His previous working relationship with recruitment director Christopher Vivell at Leipzig could strengthen his appeal, although the club would need to establish his availability and contractual expectations.
3. Antonio Conte
Conte would bring a clear tactical identity built around disciplined defending, wing-backs and direct attacking transitions. His preferred systems often use three centre-backs, allowing wide players to provide width while central midfielders protect the defence.
The Italian has won major domestic honours with Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Napoli. However, his demanding methods and reported disagreements with club leadership over recruitment could complicate a move to Old Trafford.
4. Fabian Hürzeler
Brighton’s Fabian Hürzeler, rated as 3rd favourite by Oddschecker represents a younger coaching option with a strong focus on possession and pressing. His teams build patiently from defence, draw opponents forward and attack the spaces that open behind them and he has proved he can beat he big teams and has PL experience but has not won trophies in England.
At 33, the German would offer a different profile from more experienced candidates. United would need to negotiate with Brighton, however, and establish whether Hürzeler would consider leaving his current project.
5. Cesc Fàbregas
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Manchester United’s 4-1 defeat against Como has been ranked as their THIRD-WORST performance in over a decade by journalist Samuel Luckhurst! 😳 His TOP 5 worst Manchester United performances: 1. Grimsby 2-2 Man United (2025, lost on penalties) 2. Brentford 4-0 Man United (2022) 3. Como 4-1 Man United (2026) 4. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man United (2024) 5. Brighton 4-0 Man United (2022)
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX)
Fàbregas has developed a possession-focused approach at Como, encouraging technical players to rotate positions and progress the ball through central areas. His side’s reported 4-1 victory over United would give the club a recent example of his tactical work as the performance was widely regarded by journo’s, fans and pundits alike as one of their worst ever games.
The former Spain midfielder understands elite dressing rooms from his playing career, although managing Manchester United would bring far greater scrutiny. His experience at Como would need careful assessment before any appointment and in truth there is no way Como would let him leave nor would he want to join United in reality.
6. Gareth Southgate
Southgate offers international management experience, strong communication skills and a measured approach to high-pressure matches. His England teams reached the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, alongside the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
However, he has not managed a club since leaving England in 2024 and has indicated limited interest in returning to Premier League management. United would need to establish whether his ambitions have changed before considering a formal approach.
What would shape Manchester United’s decision?
United need a coach who can improve pressing, organise the midfield and tighten up the defence making them much harder to beat. The new man would need to work within the club’s long-term recruitment plans. The next appointment will need full backing from INEOS and sporting director Jason Wilcox, who they appear to be keeping faith with, particularly after the club’s summer business failed to address every weakness.
Nagelsmann offers tactical flexibility, Howe brings Premier League experience, and Conte provides a proven structure. Hürzeler and Fàbregas represent younger possession-focused options, while Southgate offers international experience.
Each candidate would require a different level of financial commitment, staffing support and squad adjustment but surely United need a proven trophy winner who has competed on the highest stage with top European clubs and has Premier League experience – those requirements leave only a few realistic candidates wouldn’t you agree?